Which place is cheaper, San Diego or Nairobi?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nairobi or San Diego?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nairobi and San Diego can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Nairobi or San Diego?
Nairobi
Nairobi is Kenya's capital as well as the country's largest city. With a population of about 3 million, it is also one of the largest cities in Africa. It is a prominent city both politically and financially within the region. There are many international companies that are located in Nairobi and the Nairobi Securities and Exchange is one of the largest in Africa.
San Diego
For many visitors and locals alike, San Diego is a paradise. Located in southern California, not far from Los Angeles, it has the perfect climate, wonderful beaches, and a culturally rich environment. It's surrounded by beautiful landscape and has a strong focus on wildlife conservation and eco-friendly living. Home to about 1.3 million residents, it is California's second largest city. It also has many universities, a large tech industry, and a thriving economy. Despite its size, many people perceive San Diego as a slower, more relaxed city with a pleasant vibe away from the chaos of a large city.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Kenya, The Best Budget Safaris in Kenya, The Best Tours for Seniors to United States of America, and The Best Contiki Tours to United States of America.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNairobi $61San Diego $202
The average daily cost (per person) in Nairobi is $61, while the average daily cost in San Diego is $202. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Nairobi and San Diego in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNairobi $11San Diego $115
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNairobi $22San Diego $230
Compare Hotels in Nairobi and San Diego
Looking for a hotel in Nairobi or San Diego? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Nairobi Hotel Prices and San Diego Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nairobi $10San Diego $24
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Nairobi
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Nairobi:
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Taxi from Airport$9.08
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nairobi
Also for Nairobi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From 7-Day Kenya Safari Trip with Meals & Transfer: $1,800
- Nairobi Airport: 1-Way Transfer to Maasai Mara Reserve: $495
- Nairobi Airport: 1-Way Transfer to Maasai Mara Reserve: $495
- Transport from Nairobi transfer Masai Mara gates Sekekani Talek: $250
- Mercedes Viano Private Transfer Luxury Comfort Nairobi : $250
- Private Sightseeing Tour in Lake Nakuru with Transfer Included: $189
- Private Transfers from Nairobi Airport to Hotels: $170
- Private Transfer from Nairobi Airport or city To Maasai Mara By Road: $135
- Private Departure Transfer in Nairobi: $115
- Nairobi Airports Private Transfers: $100
- Nairobi National Park Game Drive and Transfer: $85
- Private Transfer from Nairobi to Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO): $83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Diego
Also for San Diego, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Try find your better than us! Airport transfer service in San Diego HTL-APT(SAN): $47
- Transfer in private minivan from San Diego Downtown to San Diego Airport (SAN): $68
- Transfer in private minivan from San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Diego Downtown: $68
- Tijuana to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $110
- Tijuana to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) – Departure Private Transfer: $55
- Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $241
- Tijuana Intl Airport (TIJ) to Playas de Rosarito - Arrival Private Transfer: $121
- Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) to Tijuana hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $55
- San Diego Airport: One-Way Private Transfer to San Diego: $70
- San Diego Airport - Private Round Trip Transfer: $70
- San Diego Airport (SAN): Private Transfer to San Diego: $190
- San Diego Airport (SAN) to San Marcos, CA - Arrival Private Transfer: $64
Is it cheaper to fly into Nairobi or San Diego?
Prices for flights to both San Diego and Nairobi change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayNairobi $7.35San Diego $45
Typical Food Prices in Nairobi
For Nairobi, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Dinner for Two$4.92
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nairobi
For Nairobi, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Carnivore Restaurant: Lunch or Dinner Experience in Nairobi: $21
- Carnivore Restaurant Dinner Experience.: $32
- Nairobi:Carnivore Restaurant Dinner and Pub Crawling.: $47
- Local Market Tour and Traditional Meal Cooking Class: $48
- Enjoy Traditional Kenyan Food Cooking Class With a Host.: $54
- Traditional Kenyan Cooking Class & Local Market Tour : $55
- Nairobi Private Traditional Kenyan Cooking Class with Lunch: $55
- Nairobi Cooking and Food Tasting Activity: $60
- Private Interactive Cooking Class and Market Tour in Kinoo: $65
- Cooking Lesson of Local Food $ Lunch: $68
- Carnivore Resturant Dinner Experience : $68
- Carnivore Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Experience: $80
Typical Food Prices in San Diego
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to San Diego:
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Mexican Lunch for Two$27
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Breakfast at Starbucks$20
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Pizza and Gelato Tour in San Diego: $80
- San Diego Vegan Food Tour: $85
- Old Town Tequila and Tacos Walking Food Tour: $85
- Gaslamp Quarter Food Tour: $89
- Gaslamp Quarter Downtown San Diego Food Tour: $89
- San Diego Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $95
- San Diego, Seaport Village: Waterfront Walking Food Tour: $99
- Seaport Village Food Tour in San Diego : $99
- Guided Secret Food Tour: $103
- Scenic Buffet Dinner Cruise: $108
- San Diego Dinner Cruise: $116
- Gourmet Dinner Cruise: $118
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nairobi $45San Diego $48
Typical Entertainment Prices in Nairobi
Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Nairobi's activities, tours, and tickets:
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Village Visit$15
Tours and Activities in Nairobi
For Nairobi, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Amboseli Day tour from Nairobi Private tour: $290
- Day Tour Amboseli Park From Nairobi: $180
- Elephant Orphanage & Giraffe Centre Tour: $95
- Half day tour to Elephant orphanage & Giraffe Centre Nairobi: $95
- Nairobi National Park Group Joining Daily Tour: $138
- Nairobi park Tour 6.A.M-11.AM: $70
- Private Full Day Safari Adventure at Nairobi National Park : $250
- The 42 Stories -Kenya Culture and Walk Experience with a Local: $36
- half Day TOURS/NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK/ELEPHANT & GIRAFFE CENTRE: $90
- "Nairobi's Ultimate Wildlife & Cultural Adventure: $40
- (Free Pickup) Nairobi National Park Game Drive-Half Day Tour: $44
- 1 Day Hiking Adventure At Mt Longonot From Nairobi(minimum 2 Pax): $225
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Diego
For San Diego, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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San Diego Zoo$15
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Sea World Parking$12
Tours and Activities in San Diego
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Diego.
- Maritime Museum of San Diego Admission Ticket: $24
- "Drink, Ride, Sing, & Dance!" Bar Tour (4 bars included): $33
- 1 Hour GPS Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $92
- 1-Hour Private Scenic Tandem Sidecar Tour in San Diego: $99
- 1-Hour Voodoo Escape Room Experience in San Diego: $35
- 1.5 Hour Walking Tour from La Jolla in San Diego: $59
- 1Hr GPS Self Guided Scooter Tour: Harbor/Gaslamp Quarter: $63
- 4 Hour Self-Guided Electric Bike Tour or Rental: $87
- A Seaside Stroll: La Jolla's Hidden Treasures Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
- All Day San Diego Scenic Tour: $125
- Apple Pies & Desert Skies: A Self-Guided Driving Tour: $15
- Balboa Park Puzzling Adventure: $35
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNairobi $15San Diego $21
Sample the Local Flavors in San Diego
Also in San Diego, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- San Diego Bar Hunt: Slammin' San Diego Bar Crawl: $13
- History Tour Pub Crawl of Famous Gaslamp Quarter: $30
- Brewery Tour with Tastings and Food Pairings: $85
- Vino! Vino! Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Little Italy Wine Tasting Walking Tour: $125
- Private Wine Tasting Tour in Valle de Guadalupe: $133
- Cruise & Booze Brewery tours : $149
- Baja Tour Guide wine tour: $169
- Sidecar Wine Tasting Tour: $199
- Brewery and Tap Room Sidecar Tour: $199
- California Sunset Brewery Tour: $199
- Brewery and Beer Tasting Tour in San Diego: $215
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nairobi and San Diego, we can see that San Diego is more expensive. And not only is Nairobi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nairobi is in Africa and San Diego is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Nairobi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nairobi and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in San Diego would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Diego than you might in Nairobi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nairobi Expensive? and Is San Diego Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nairobi or San Diego?
Nairobi has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of San Diego. When comparing the sizes of Nairobi and San Diego, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.